In the uranium disintegration series:
Correct answer: C. The emission of alpha particles decreases the mass number "A" by four and decreases the atomic number "Z" by two
- A. The emission of a β particle increases the mass number "A" by one and decreases the atomic number "Z" by one
- B. The disintegrating element merely ejects atomic electrons
- C. The emission of alpha particles decreases the mass number "A" by four and decreases the atomic number "Z" by two
- D. The nucleus always remains unaffected
Explanation
Alpha decay is a common process in the uranium series. Each time an alpha particle (2He4) is emitted, the parent nucleus loses 2 protons and 2 neutrons, correctly described as a decrease of 4 in mass number and 2 in atomic number.
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